Drowning Victim in Kuantan River Found Dead

The joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team has found a drowning victim in the Kuantan River, Kuantan Singingi Regency (Kuansing), Riau, after a two-day search.

Head of the Pekanbaru Class A Search and Rescue Office, Budi Cahyadi, said the victim has been identified as AF, 17, a resident of Jake, Kuantan Singingi Regency.

“The victim was reported missing after being swept away by the current while swimming with friends in the Kuantan River on Thursday (20/8) at around 4.10 pm Western Indonesia Time,” he said on Friday (21/8).

He explained that the Pekanbaru Class A Search and Rescue Office received information about the incident at 4.15 pm Western Indonesia Time. The SAR team, which was at the time carrying out a Special SAR Standby for the Kuantan Singingi Pacu Jalur event, immediately moved to the location and conducted a search around the incident site.

On Friday (21/8), the search resumed with a sweep downstream along the river in accordance with the operation plan.

At around 5.30 pm Western Indonesia Time, the joint SAR team found the victim deceased approximately 800 metres downstream from the incident location.

“The victim was then evacuated and taken to Teluk Kuantan Regional Hospital for further handling,” Budi said.

With the discovery of the victim, Budi said the SAR operation has been proposed for closure and all elements involved have returned to their respective units.